Neural Network Identifies Enzyme to Degrade Polyurethane

Plastic pollution is a multifaceted issue, as different polymers require specific chemical bonds for breakdown, making solutions complex. While enzymes have been developed to degrade common plastics like polyesters and PET, they only address part of the problem. Researchers have now created a novel enzyme designed to decompose polyurethane, commonly used in foam cushioning, which is compatible with industrial recycling processes. This enzyme breaks the polymer down into its basic components, allowing for the production of new polyurethane.

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